The point is not "who'd you rather"... it's that Luongo can play above the level of his deal. It's not an expensive cap-hit. He's more than capable of being a top-10 goalie in the NHL. Rather than being an albatross, his deal is a benefit to the Canucks. I don't give a fuck if it becomes a bad deal in 3/5/8 years. It's a good deal now. Period. And frankly, by the time it starts to be a bad deal our window is likely A) closing, B) the cap is much higher, or C) we have less expensive contracts on the books (Sedins/Bieksa/Booth etc). Likely all of the above.

The guy thrives when he plays a lot. In 2010-2011 (his last season as undisputed starter) Luongo won the most games in the NHL, tied with Carey Price with 12 fewer games played. He was 3rd amongst starting goalies (Schneider was .001 ahead of him) in save %. He was second in GAA. The last two seasons (well 1.5 given the lockout) he was strung around and mentally fucked with by this goaltending tandem charade.

Let's see how this guy does when all he's got to do is play goal and not answer questions about how him and CS are getting along. Goalies are an odd bunch at the best of times, let alone when they are harassed constantly.

Island Nucklehead wrote:The point is not "who'd you rather"... it's that Luongo can play above the level of his deal. It's not an expensive cap-hit. He's more than capable of being a top-10 goalie in the NHL. Rather than being an albatross, his deal is a benefit to the Canucks. I don't give a fuck if it becomes a bad deal in 3/5/8 years. It's a good deal now. Period. And frankly, by the time it starts to be a bad deal our window is likely A) closing, B) the cap is much higher, or C) we have less expensive contracts on the books (Sedins/Bieksa/Booth etc). Likely all of the above.

The guy thrives when he plays a lot. In 2010-2011 (his last season as undisputed starter) Luongo won the most games in the NHL, tied with Carey Price with 12 fewer games played. He was 3rd amongst starting goalies (Schneider was .001 ahead of him) in save %. He was second in GAA. The last two seasons (well 1.5 given the lockout) he was strung around and mentally fucked with by this goaltending tandem charade.

Let's see how this guy does when all he's got to do is play goal and not answer questions about how him and CS are getting along. Goalies are an odd bunch at the best of times, let alone when they are harassed constantly.

I concur.I'm pretty sure the majority here are not concerned with Luongo's regular season, or in fact, people probably don't give a shit about it as it's pretty much a given that the team will go into the playoffs at worst even with Luongo's average performance. This shows where Luongo stands comparing to other goalies; Luongo's one of the top 5% (or maybe 10% now), he's not just an average NHL starter. Although I was also one of those who continuously showed strong disapproval of Luongo in recent years, but still have to give credit where is due - Luongo was, has been, and is still a top goalie in the league.

At this point in Luongo's career, and in his career with the Canucks, there's only one thing for him and the team to prove - winning a damn cup. He's a well accomplished hockey player in pretty much all competitions except for the damn cup.

Island Nucklehead wrote:The point is not "who'd you rather"... it's that Luongo can play above the level of his deal. It's not an expensive cap-hit. He's more than capable of being a top-10 goalie in the NHL. Rather than being an albatross, his deal is a benefit to the Canucks. I don't give a fuck if it becomes a bad deal in 3/5/8 years. It's a good deal now. Period. And frankly, by the time it starts to be a bad deal our window is likely A) closing, B) the cap is much higher, or C) we have less expensive contracts on the books (Sedins/Bieksa/Booth etc). Likely all of the above.

The guy thrives when he plays a lot. In 2010-2011 (his last season as undisputed starter) Luongo won the most games in the NHL, tied with Carey Price with 12 fewer games played. He was 3rd amongst starting goalies (Schneider was .001 ahead of him) in save %. He was second in GAA. The last two seasons (well 1.5 given the lockout) he was strung around and mentally fucked with by this goaltending tandem charade.

Let's see how this guy does when all he's got to do is play goal and not answer questions about how him and CS are getting along. Goalies are an odd bunch at the best of times, let alone when they are harassed constantly.

My guess is we get a top-10 goalie for top-15 price.

Given Luongo's history, it's not inconceivable he wins the Vezina before he's done.

News out of Philly is that Cleary is going to attend their camp and once they clear space they will sign him to a 3 year deal worth $2.75 mil per season AND a NTC. Holmgren is either crazy or smarter than all of us. Way too much money for Cleary at this stage of his career and last time I checked he doesn't play on the blueline.

Tim Thomas expected to make a decision soon. Frontrunners seem to be Florida and Calgary. I would assume if he picks Calgary he will waive away his rights for universal healthcare given such things offend him so much.